Test-sensor cartridge

ABSTRACT

A test-sensor cartridge comprising a plurality of test sensors adapted to assist in determining an analyte concentration of a fluid sample. The cartridge further comprises a plurality of walls forming a cavity therein. The cavity is adapted to include the plurality of test sensors. At least one of the plurality of walls forms at least one aperture. The cartridge further comprises a lid adapted to enclose the cavity. The cartridge further comprises a locking feature adapted to lock the lid to one or more of the walls. The locking feature is adapted to be disengaged by the at least one aperture receiving a projection of an analyte-testing instrument.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/515,363 filed May 18, 2009 which is a U.S. national phase ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2007/023367, filed Nov. 6, 2007,which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/860,187, filed on Nov. 20, 2006, all which are incorporated byreference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to sensor-dispensing instrumentsand, more particularly, to test-sensor cartridges for assisting inensuring compatibility with analyte-testing instruments (e.g., meters).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The quantitative determination of analytes in body fluids is of greatimportance in the diagnoses and maintenance of certain physiologicalabnormalities. For example, lactate, cholesterol, and bilirubin shouldbe monitored in certain individuals. In particular, determining glucosein body fluids is important to diabetic individuals who must frequentlycheck the glucose level in their body fluids to regulate the glucoseintake in their diets. The results of such tests may be used todetermine what, if any, insulin and/or other medication needs to beadministered. In one type of testing system, test sensors are used totest a fluid such as a sample of blood.

One method of monitoring an individual's blood glucose level is with aportable, hand-held blood glucose testing device (e.g., a meter). Todetermine the blood glucose level with the meter, a lancet device may beused with a needle lancet that pierces the skin tissue and allows awhole blood sample to form on the skin's surface. Once the requisiteamount of blood forms on the skin's surface, the blood sample istransferred to a test sensor. The test sensor is generally placed in anopening in the body of the meter.

Test-sensor cartridges are commonly used to individually dispense testsensors to be used for testing an analyte in a fluid. The cartridges areused to store multiple sensors and allow users to carry multiple sensorsaround within a single enclosure. During testing, a blood or body fluidsample may be placed on the sensor and analyzed with the meter orinstrument to determine the concentration of the analyte being examined.

The test-sensor cartridges may be incorporated directly into, forexample, glucose meters to dispense test sensors for use with the meter.The cartridges may include features designed to mate with correspondingfeatures inside of a meter to assist in indexing and/or excising thetest sensors located within the cartridges. Alternatively, thecartridges may be kept separate from the meter. In such embodiments, auser may remove a single sensor from the cartridge to perform an analytetest. The cartridges assist in preventing or inhibiting test sensorsfrom being exposed to the environment until they are required for use.Exposure to the environment (e.g., humidity, contaminants, or the like)may damage the test sensors, thereby altering test results.

Because different types of test sensors or test-sensor versions may havesignificant differences associated therewith, a problem occurs when atest sensor is used with a meter that was not designed to be used withthe test sensor. This may occur, for example, when a user tests with atest sensor being placed into a meter that is not compatible with thetest sensor. Alternatively, problems may occur if a meter is unable todistinguish the type and/or generation of test sensor being used or thecalibration information associated therewith. Different types of testsensors may include different types of sensor reagent, which mayinfluence items such as, for example, the amount of fluid sample neededand the length of time required for the reagent to react with theanalyte to determine the analyte concentration. Furthermore, differenttest sensors may correspond with different assay parameters, protocols,and/or programs including test sequences, test times, algorithms,voltage, calibration information, expiration dates, or the like.

Many existing meters require that a user perform some affirmative act tonotify the meter that a new test-sensor cartridge is being used so thatthe meter may calibrate and/or modify its testing parameters, protocols,and/or programs accordingly. For example, the user may be required toremove a code chip corresponding with the previously used cartridge andreplace it with a code chip corresponding with a new cartridge.Oftentimes, however, the user minimizes the importance of performingsuch a notification step and/or forgets to change the code chip. Usersmay view this step as being optional and, in the interest of time,choose to skip the step altogether. Furthermore, because testing may beperformed without notifying the meter of the type of cartridge and/ortest sensors being used, it is relatively easy for a user to overlookperforming this step.

Because meters are generally designed to perform protocols and runprograms associated with certain test sensors, mismatching test-sensorcartridges and meters generally yields inaccurate test results.Inaccurate test results may result in dangerous analyte levels (e.g.,hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions) being undetected, which may bedangerous for a user and may have serious health-related consequences.At a minimum, mismatching test-sensor cartridges and meters may requireextra testing, which may be inconvenient and expensive for a user.

It would be desirable to provide analyte-testing instruments (e.g.,test-sensor cartridges) that inhibit or prevent using a meter withunsuitable types and/or generations of test-sensor cartridges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a test-sensorcartridge comprises a plurality of test sensors adapted to assist indetermining an analyte concentration of a fluid sample. The cartridgefurther comprises a plurality of walls forming a cavity therein. Thecavity is adapted to include the plurality of test sensors. At least oneof the plurality of walls forms at least one aperture. The cartridgefurther comprises a lid adapted to enclose the cavity. The cartridgefurther comprises a locking feature adapted to lock the lid to one ormore of the walls. The locking feature is adapted to be disengaged bythe at least one aperture receiving a projection of an analyte-testinginstrument.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a test-sensorcartridge comprises a plurality of test sensors adapted to assist indetermining an analyte concentration of a fluid sample. The cartridgefurther comprises a plurality of walls forming a cavity therein. Thecavity is adapted to include the plurality of test sensors. At least oneof the walls forms at least one aperture. The cartridge furthercomprises a lid adapted to enclose the cavity. The cartridge furthercomprises a coding feature positioned on at least one of the walls orthe lid. The cartridge further comprises a locking feature adapted tolock the lid to one or more of the walls. At least a portion of thelocking feature is positioned within the at least one aperture. Thelocking feature is adapted to be disengaged by the at least one aperturereceiving a projection of an analyte-testing instrument. The codingfeature is adapted to be read by a reading device positioned on theanalyte-testing instrument.

According to one process of the present invention, a method of modifyingtesting parameters of an analyte-testing instrument comprises the act ofproviding a test-sensor cartridge including a plurality of walls forminga cavity therein. The cavity is adapted to include a plurality of testsensors. At least one of the walls forms at least one aperture. Thecavity is enclosed by a lid having a locking feature adapted to lock thelid to one or more of the walls. The test sensors are adapted to assistin the determination of a concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample.At least one of the lid or the walls has a coding feature beingpositioned thereon. The method further comprises the act of providing ananalyte-testing instrument having at least one projection locatedthereon. The analyte-testing instrument includes a reading device. Themethod further comprises the act of disengaging the locking feature bycontacting the cartridge to the analyte-testing instrument such that theat least one projection mates with the at least one aperture. The methodfurther comprises the act of reading the coding feature using thereading device. The method further comprises the act of modifying atleast one testing parameter of the analyte-testing instrument based oninformation received by reading the coding feature.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to representeach embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. Additionalfeatures and benefits of the present invention are apparent from thedetailed description and figures set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a test sensor according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a test-sensor cartridgeaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 a is a cross-sectional side view of a test-sensor cartridge in aclosed position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 b is a cross-sectional side view of the cartridge of FIG. 3 a inan open position.

FIG. 3 c is a perspective view of the cartridge of FIGS. 3 a,b makingcontact with an analyte-testing instrument.

FIG. 3 d is a rear view of the cartridge of FIGS. 3 a,b.

FIG. 4 a is a cross-sectional side view of a test-sensor cartridge andan analyte-testing instrument according to one embodiment of the presentinvention where the cartridge is in a locked position.

FIG. 4 b is a cross-sectional side view of the cartridge andanalyte-testing instrument of FIG. 4 a where the cartridge is in anintermediate position.

FIG. 4 c is a cross-sectional side view of the cartridge andanalyte-testing instrument of FIGS. 4 a,b where the cartridge is in anopen position.

FIG. 5 a is a front view of a test-sensor cartridge in a locked positionaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 b is a rear view of the test-sensor cartridge of FIG. 5 a in anopen position.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a test-sensor cartridge according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to forcing communication between ameter and a test-sensor cartridge so that the meter may receivecalibration information from the cartridge. The present invention isfurther directed to inhibiting or preventing using a meter or meterparameters, protocols, or programs with an unsuitable type and/orgeneration of test-sensor cartridge. The test sensors (e.g., biosensors)dispensed from the cartridge may be used to assist in determining ananalyte concentration in a fluid sample. Some examples of the types ofanalytes that may be collected and analyzed include glucose, lipidprofiles (e.g., cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL), microalbumin,hemoglobin, A₁C, fructose, lactate, or bilirubin. The present inventionis not limited, however, to these specific analytes, and it iscontemplated that other analyte concentrations may be determined. Theanalytes may be in, for example, a whole blood sample, a blood serumsample, a blood plasma sample, or other body fluids like ISF(interstitial fluid) and/or urine. One non-limiting example of a use ofthe test-sensor cartridge and meter is to determine the glucoseconcentration in a user's blood, plasma, or ISF.

Test sensors used in determining analyte concentrations in oneembodiment include a capillary channel that extends from the front ortesting end of the test sensor to biosensing or reagent materialdisposed in the test sensor. The reagent generally includes anappropriately selected enzyme to react with the desired analyte oranalytes to be tested. The reagent may be stored within the test sensorin a dried form to promote an extended shelf life of the test sensor.When the testing end of the test sensor is placed into fluid (e.g.,blood that is accumulated on a person's finger after the finger has beenpricked), a portion of the fluid is drawn into the capillary channel bycapillary action. The fluid then mixes with the reagent material in thetest sensor and chemically reacts with the reagent material so that anelectrical signal indicative of the analyte (e.g., glucose) level in thefluid being tested is supplied and subsequently transmitted to a meter.

One type of test sensor that may be used is an electrochemical testsensor. One non-limiting example of an electrochemical test sensor isshown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 depicts a test sensor 70 that includes acapillary channel 72, an area for meter contacts 86, and a plurality ofelectrodes 76, 80, 84. The capillary channel 72 contains reagent. Theplurality of electrodes includes a counter electrode 76, a working(measuring) electrode 80, and an optional trigger electrode 84. Thetrigger electrode 84 may assist in determining whether a sufficientblood sample has been placed on the sensor 70. The electrochemical testsensor may also contain other numbers and/or types of electrodes.Examples of electrochemical test sensors, including their operation, maybe found in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,531,040 assigned to BayerCorporation. It is contemplated that other electrochemical test sensorsmay be employed. It is also contemplated that other types of testsensors may be used including, but not limited to, optical test sensors.

A plurality of test sensors may be stored in a disposable test-sensorcartridge. The test-sensor cartridge may include any type of containeradapted to contain test-sensors including, but not limited to bottles,disks, or the like. For example, the plurality of test sensors may bestored in a cartridge where the test sensors are generally radiallyaligned and individually packaged in sensor cavities (e.g., ablister-type pack). Another example of a disposable cartridge 100 isdepicted in FIG. 2. The disposable cartridge 100 of FIG. 2 comprises ahousing 102, a plurality of stacked test sensors 104, a hinge mechanism106, and a lid 108. The cartridge 100 is adapted to be disposed of aftereach of the plurality of test sensors 104 has been removed and used. Itis also contemplated that the cartridge 100 may be refilled and, thus,reused. The desiccant compartment of reusable cartridges generallyshould be replaced when a reusable cartridge is refilled.

The test-sensor cartridges of the embodiments of the present inventionare generally unable to be opened until the cartridges contact anunlocking feature on a meter. The unlocking feature may be a projectionthat fits within a corresponding aperture of the cartridge. Requiringcontact between the cartridge and the meter assists in inhibiting orpreventing the cartridge from being used with an unsuitable meter and/orapplying unsuitable testing parameters, protocols, or programs duringanalyte testing.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 a,b, for example, a test-sensor cartridge150 having a release lock feature 151 is shown. Like the cartridge 100of FIG. 2, the cartridge 150 comprises a housing 152, a hinge mechanism156, and a lid 158. The housing 152 includes a plurality of wallsincluding a front wall 159 a, a back wall (not shown) opposite the frontwall 159 a, a first side wall 159 b (see FIG. 3 c), a second side wall(not shown) opposite the first side wall 159 b, and a bottom 160. Thewalls (e.g., walls 159 a,b) form a cavity 161 adapted to hold aplurality of stacked test sensors (not shown) therein. The lid 158 ispositioned at a top end 162 of the cartridge 150 and is adapted toenclose the cavity 161. The lid 158 includes a notch 163 positioned at atop 162 of a first end 164 of the cartridge 150. The release lockfeature 151 is positioned at the first end 164 of the cartridge 150 andincludes a rod 165 housed within the cartridge 150 in a generallyvertical position. The rod 165 is positioned within an aperture 166formed at the first end 164 of the cartridge 150. The aperture 166extends through the bottom 160 of the cartridge 150. In the illustratedembodiment, a bottom 167 of the rod 165 is generally flush with thebottom 160 of the cartridge 150. It is contemplated, however, that therod 165 may be shortened (i.e., recessed), in the cartridge 150. The rod165 is coupled to a latch 168 at the top end 162 of the cartridge 150.The latch 168 is rotatable about a pivot point 169. The release lockfeature 151 further includes a spring 170 positioned between a firstspring retainer 172 a and a second spring retainer 172 b.

FIG. 3 a shows the cartridge 150 with the lid 158 in a closed position.In the closed position, the latch 168 generally wraps around the notch163 located in the interior of the lid 158 at the top 162 of the firstend 164 of the cartridge 150, thereby locking the lid 158 to at leastone of the walls (e.g., front wall 159 a, first side wall 159 b) into aclosed position relative to the cartridge 150. Thus, a user would beunable to open the lid 158 to remove a test sensor (not shown) withinthe cartridge 150.

Referring now to FIG. 3 c, to open the cartridge 150, the aperture 166formed at the bottom 160 of the cartridge 150 is required to contact ameter 181 such that the bottom 167 of the rod 165 contacts acorresponding projection 182 suitably positioned on the meter 181. Theprojection 182 pushes the bottom 167 of the rod 165 upward in thedirection of Arrow A. The upward movement of the rod 165 causes thespring 170 to compress between the first and second spring retainers 172a,b, thereby causing the latch 168 to rotate about the pivot point 169in the direction of Arrow B (FIG. 3 b). The rotation of the latch 168releases the latch 168 from being obstructed by the notch 163. Therotation of the latch 168 allows the lid 158 to be lifted off of thecartridge 150, which allows the cartridge 150 to be opened. Thus, a usermay remove a test sensor from the opened cartridge 150 (see FIG. 3 b).

In one embodiment, after the user removes the cartridge 150 from theprojection 182 of the meter, the spring 170 forces the release lockfeature 151 to return to the locked position of FIG. 3 a. Thus, when theuser closes the lid 158, the latch 168 again becomes obstructed by thenotch 163, thereby relocking the cartridge 150.

In another embodiment, the release lock feature 151 is only required tobe unlocked once. Thereafter, the lid 158 of the cartridge 150 may beclosed without locking. This may be desirable since the cartridge 150need only contact the meter a single time for the meter to recognize thetype of cartridge, and thus, the type of test sensor, being used. Oncethe meter recognizes the type of cartridge being used, the metercalibrates and/or modifies its testing parameters, programs, and/orprotocols accordingly.

In yet another embodiment, the cartridge 150 may remain coupled to themeter 181 using any suitable means. When the cartridge 150 is empty andis to be replaced with a new (e.g., full) cartridge, the user may, forexample, press a release button 183 on the meter 181 to remove thecartridge 150 from the meter 181 so that another cartridge 150 may beintroduced.

There are several ways in which mismatching a test-sensor cartridge anda meter and/or testing parameters, programs, and/or protocols of a metermay be inhibited or prevented using the embodiments of the presentinvention. In one embodiment, for example, the test-sensor cartridge mayinclude a coding feature such as a barcode, an optically detectablefeature, or the like adapted to be read by a meter to assist indistinguishing between cartridges, lots, or the like. Referring to FIG.3 d, for example, a test-sensor cartridge 185 includes an autocal label188 having a barcode 190 thereon. The autocal label 188 is positioned ona portion of the cartridge 185 and/or a lid 191 that is adjacent to acorresponding barcode reader (e.g., barcode reader 191 of FIG. 3 c) on ameter (e.g., meter 181 of FIG. 3 c) while the cartridge 185 is beingunlocked by the meter. Although in the embodiment of FIG. 3 d, theautocal label 188 is positioned on a back side 192 of the cartridge 185,it is contemplated that the autocal label 188 may be positioned on othersuitable locations including, but not limited to, a bottom 194 of thecartridge 185, the lid 191, combinations thereof, or the like. Uponreading the barcode 190, the meter may adjust its analyte-testingparameters, programs, and/or protocols to correspond with the typeand/or generation of test sensors housed within the cartridge 185,thereby increasing the accuracy of the test results.

Alternatively or additionally, the unlocking feature of a meter may beadapted to mate only with a release lock feature of a suitablecartridge(s). Referring back to FIG. 3 c, for example, the projection182 may be positioned, sized, shaped, combinations thereof, or the liketo only fit within corresponding apertures (e.g., aperture 166 of FIGS.3 a,b) of compatible cartridges. Thus, a user attempting to unlock acartridge that is incompatible with the meter 181 using the projection182 will be unable to do so. The inability to unlock the cartridge willalert the user that the cartridge is incompatible with the meter and,thus, inhibit or prevent inaccurate test results. This embodiment may beused in combination with a coding feature so that the meter may adjustits parameters, programs, and/or protocols to the type and/or generationof test-sensor cartridge being used.

Referring now to FIG. 4 a, a cross-sectional view of a test-sensorcartridge 200 and a meter 202 is shown according to another embodimentof the present invention. The cartridge 200 includes at least oneaperture 204 and a releasably-locking lid 206. The lid 206 includes ajoint 208 coupling a top portion 210 to a side portion 212. The sideportion 212 includes at least one tab portion 214. When the cartridge200 is in the locked position of FIG. 4 a, the tab portion 214 extendsinto the aperture 204 and may not be grasped, pulled, or pushed by auser, thereby making it difficult for the user to open the lid 206.

To open the lid 206, a corresponding unlocking feature or projection 216positioned on the meter 202 is inserted into the aperture 204 bycontacting the cartridge 200 with the meter 202. As shown in FIGS. 4b-c, when the projection 216 contacts the tab portion 214 inside theaperture 204, the tab portion 214 is pushed out from the aperture 204 inthe direction of Arrow C, thereby bending the lid 206 at the joint 208.The user may then grasp the side portion 212 and/or the tab portion 214of the lid 206, open the lid 206, and remove a test sensor from withinthe cartridge 200.

Any suitable number of apertures 204 and/or projections 216 may be usedwith the cartridge 200 and the meter 202, respectively. Furthermore, theapertures 204 and/or projections 216 may have any suitable size, shape,position, combinations thereof, or the like. Referring to FIGS. 5 a,b, afront side 220 (FIG. 5 a) and a back side 222 (FIG. 5 b) of thecartridge 200 of FIGS. 4 a-c are shown according to one embodiment. FIG.5 a shows the front side 220 of the cartridge 200 in a closed position.FIG. 5 b shows the back side 222 of the cartridge 200 in an openposition. The cartridge 200 includes two apertures 204 a,b that aregenerally aligned with the tab portions 214 of the lid 206. Thus,according to FIGS. 5 a,b, the cartridge 200 is adapted to be used with ameter having two corresponding projections.

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 5 a,b, the cartridge 200 includes abarcode 224 on the back side 222 of the cartridge 200. Thus, when thecartridge 200 contacts the meter 202 in order to open the lid 206, asuitably positioned barcode reader 226 (see FIG.s 4 a-c) scans and readsthe barcode 224. The meter 202 may then recalibrate and/or adjust itstesting parameters based on the information obtained from the barcode224 about the test sensors (not shown) housed within the cartridge 200.As described above with respect to FIGS. 3 a-d, in other embodiments,the projection 216 may be positioned, sized, and/or shaped to only fitwithin apertures of compatible cartridges.

In one embodiment, an autocal label having a barcode thereon ispositioned on the underside of the lid 206. In this embodiment, theprojection 216 includes a barcode reader thereon. Thus, when theprojection 216 is inserted into the aperture 204 to open the lid 206,the barcode reader on the projection 216 reads the barcode on the lid206. The meter 202 may then recalibrate and/or modify its testingparameters, programs, and/or protocols based on the information aboutthe test sensors in the cartridge 200 gathered from the barcode.

FIG. 6 shows a test-sensor cartridge 230 according to another embodimentof the present invention. Although the cartridge 230 of FIG. 6 isgenerally round, any suitable shape may be used. The cartridge 230includes a lid 232 that may be a screw-on type lid, a flick-top typelid, or the like. The lid 232 includes a locking feature 234 having aside portion 236 and a tab portion 238. When the cartridge 230 is in thelocked position of FIG. 6, the tab portion extends into an aperture 240formed within the cartridge 230. The tab portion 238 assists ininhibiting or preventing the lid 232 from being opened by the userwithout the assistance of a meter. Thus, to open the lid 232 of thecartridge 230, the user must contact the cartridge 230 to a meter (e.g.,meter 202 of FIGS. 4 a-c) such that a projection (e.g., projection 216of FIGS. 4 a-c) extends through the aperture 240, forcing the tabportion 238 out from the aperture 240. In one embodiment, when the tabportion 238 is forced out from the aperture 240, the locking feature 234disengages from the lid 232. Thus, the tab portion 238 no longerobstructs movement of the lid 232, and the lid 232 may be freely openedby the user. The lid 232 may be opened manually, or the meter may befurther used to facilitate opening.

Any of the ways described above may be used to inhibit or preventmismatching the cartridge 230 with a meter or parameters, programs,and/or protocols thereof. For example, the cartridge 230 may include abarcode 242 suitably positioned thereon. Alternatively or additionally,the aperture 240 may be sized and/or positioned such that it may onlyreceive projection(s) from a meter(s) with which the cartridge 230 iscompatible. Other variations of inhibiting or preventing mismatching thecartridge 230 with a meter may also be used.

Because the cartridges of the embodiments of the present invention mustcontact a meter to be opened, a user is forced to notify the meter ofthe type, generation, or the like of the test-sensor cartridge that isbeing used so that the meter may calibrate and/or modify its testingparameters, programs, and/or protocols accordingly. Suchcartridge-to-meter contact must be made before the user can open thecartridge, remove a test sensor, and begin testing. Thus, the chancesthat the user will forget or choose not to perform the act of notifyingthe meter that a new cartridge is being used is significantly reduced oreliminated. The embodiments of the present invention may thereforeimprove the overall accuracy of analyte-testing results.

The embodiments of the present invention also have many otheradvantages. For example, because the cartridges of the embodiments ofthe present invention may not be opened without contacting a specificportion of the cartridge to a corresponding specific portion of a meter,the cartridges are generally childproof. Since the test-sensorcartridges of the embodiments of the present invention are coded (e.g.,using a barcode, by sizing features of the cartridges to correspond withthose of suitable meters, combinations thereof, or the like), the testsensors housed within the cartridges need not be individually coded,which may reduce the costs of manufacturing the sensors.

Alternative Embodiment A

A test-sensor cartridge comprising:

-   -   a plurality of test sensors adapted to assist in determining an        analyte concentration of a fluid sample;    -   a plurality of walls forming a cavity therein, the cavity being        adapted to include the plurality of test sensors, at least one        of the plurality of walls forming at least one aperture;    -   a lid adapted to enclose the cavity; and    -   a locking feature adapted to lock the lid to one or more of the        walls, the locking feature being adapted to be disengaged by the        at least one aperture receiving a projection of an        analyte-testing instrument.

Alternative Embodiment B

The cartridge of Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the locking featureincludes a latch coupled to the cartridge and a corresponding notchcoupled to the lid.

Alternative Embodiment C

The cartridge of Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the locking featureincludes a tab portion extending into the aperture.

Alternative Embodiment D

The cartridge of Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the aperture extendscompletely through the cartridge.

Alternative Embodiment E

The cartridge of Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the cartridge furtherincludes a coding feature positioned such that the coding feature may beread by the analyte-testing instrument when the at least one openingreceives the projection.

Alternative Embodiment F

The cartridge of Alternative Embodiment E, wherein the coding feature islocated on a surface of the lid adjacent to the cavity and theprojection includes a feature for reading the coding feature.

Alternative Embodiment G

The cartridge of Alternative Embodiment A, wherein the aperture isadapted to receive a first projection of a first analyte-testinginstrument with which the cartridge is compatible and wherein theaperture may not receive a second projection of a second analyte-testinginstrument with which the cartridge is incompatible.

Alternative Embodiment H

A test-sensor cartridge comprising:

-   -   a plurality of test sensors adapted to assist in determining an        analyte concentration of a fluid sample;    -   a plurality of walls forming a cavity therein, the cavity being        adapted to include the plurality of test sensors, at least one        of the walls forming at least one aperture;    -   a lid adapted to enclose the cavity;    -   a coding feature positioned on at least one of the walls or the        lid; and    -   a locking feature adapted to lock the lid to one or more of the        walls, at least a portion of the locking feature being        positioned within the at least one aperture, the locking feature        being adapted to be disengaged by the at least one aperture        receiving a projection of an analyte-testing instrument, and    -   wherein the coding feature is adapted to be read by a reading        device positioned on the analyte-testing instrument.

Alternative Embodiment I

The cartridge of Alternative Embodiment H, wherein the locking featureincludes a latch coupled to the cartridge and a corresponding notchcoupled to the lid.

Alternative Embodiment J

The cartridge of Alternative Embodiment H, wherein the locking featureis coupled to the lid, the locking feature further including a tabportion extending into the aperture.

Alternative Embodiment K

The cartridge of Alternative Embodiment H, wherein the aperture extendscompletely through the cartridge.

Alternative Embodiment L

The cartridge of Alternative Embodiment H, wherein the coding feature ispositioned on an exterior surface of one of the walls.

Alternative Embodiment M

The cartridge of Alternative Embodiment H, wherein the coding feature islocated on a surface of the lid adjacent to the cavity and theprojection includes reading device.

Alternative Embodiment N

The cartridge of Alternative Embodiment H, wherein the aperture isadapted to receive a first projection of a first analyte-testinginstrument with which the cartridge is compatible and wherein theaperture may not receive a second projection of a second analyte-testinginstrument with which the cartridge is incompatible.

Alternative Process O

A method of modifying testing parameters of an analyte-testinginstrument, the method comprising the acts of:

-   -   providing a test-sensor cartridge including a plurality of walls        forming a cavity therein, the cavity being adapted to include a        plurality of test sensors, at least one of the walls forming at        least one aperture, the cavity being enclosed by a lid having a        locking feature adapted to lock the lid to one or more of the        walls, the test sensors being adapted to assist in the        determination of a concentration of an analyte in a fluid        sample, at least one of the lid or the walls having a coding        feature being positioned thereon;    -   providing an analyte-testing instrument having at least one        projection located thereon, the analyte-testing instrument        including a reading device;    -   disengaging the locking feature by contacting the cartridge to        the analyte-testing instrument such that the at least one        projection mates with the at least one aperture;    -   reading the coding feature using the reading device;    -   modifying at least one testing parameter of the analyte-testing        instrument based on information received by reading the coding        feature.

Alternative Process P

-   -   The method of Alternative Process O, wherein the locking feature        includes a latch coupled to the cartridge and a corresponding        notch coupled to the lid.

Alternative Process Q

The method of Alternative Process O, wherein the locking featureincludes a tab portion extending into the aperture.

Alternative Process R

The method of Alternative Process O, wherein the aperture extendscompletely through the cartridge.

Alternative Process S

The method of Alternative Process O, wherein the coding feature islocated on a surface of the lid adjacent to the cavity and the readingdevice is positioned on the at least one projection.

Alternative Process T

The method of Alternative Process 0, wherein the act of disengaging thelocking feature includes the at least one projection forcing the lockingfeature out from the at least one aperture.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments and methods thereof have beenshown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detailherein. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended tolimit the invention to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but,to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A test-sensor cartridge comprising: aplurality of test sensors adapted to assist in determining an analyteconcentration of a fluid sample; a plurality of walls forming a cavitytherein, the cavity being adapted to include the plurality of testsensors, at least one of the plurality of walls forming at least oneaperture; a lid adapted to enclose the cavity; and a locking featureadapted to lock the lid to one or more of the walls, the locking featurebeing adapted to be disengaged by the at least one aperture receiving aprojection of an analyte-testing instrument.
 2. The cartridge of claim1, wherein the locking feature includes a latch coupled to the cartridgeand a corresponding notch coupled to the lid.
 3. The cartridge of claim1, wherein the locking feature includes a tab portion extending into theaperture.
 4. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the aperture extendscompletely through the cartridge.
 5. The cartridge of claim 1, whereinthe aperture is adapted to receive a first projection of a firstanalyte-testing instrument with which the cartridge is compatible andwherein the aperture may not receive a second projection of a secondanalyte-testing instrument with which the cartridge is incompatible. 6.The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the cartridge further includes acoding feature positioned such that the coding feature may be read bythe analyte-testing instrument when the at least one opening receivesthe projection.
 7. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein the coding featureis located on a surface of the lid adjacent to the cavity and theprojection includes a feature for reading the coding feature.
 8. Thecartridge of claim 6, wherein the coding feature is located on a surfaceof the lid adjacent to the cavity and the projection includes readingdevice.
 9. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein the aperture is adapted toreceive a first projection of a first analyte-testing instrument withwhich the cartridge is compatible and wherein the aperture may notreceive a second projection of a second analyte-testing instrument withwhich the cartridge is incompatible.
 10. A test-sensor cartridgecomprising: a plurality of test sensors adapted to assist in determiningan analyte concentration of a fluid sample; a plurality of walls forminga cavity therein, the cavity including the plurality of test sensors, atleast one of the walls forming at least one aperture; and a lid adaptedto enclose the cavity, the lid including a side portion having a lockingextending from the side portion, the locking feature having a tabportion positioned within the at least one aperture, the locking featurebeing adapted to be disengaged by the at least one aperture receiving aprojection of an analyte-testing instrument.
 11. The cartridge of claim10, further comprising a coding feature positioned on at least one ofthe plurality of walls or the lid.
 12. The cartridge of claim 11,wherein the coding feature is configured to be read by a reading devicepositioned on the analyte-testing instrument.
 13. The cartridge of claim10, wherein the lid is a screw-on type lid.
 14. The cartridge of claim13, wherein movement of the lid is obstructed by the portion of thelocking feature positioned within the at least one aperture.
 15. Thecartridge of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the locking featureis detachable.
 16. The cartridge of claim 10, wherein the aperture isadapted to receive a first projection of a first analyte-testinginstrument with which the cartridge is compatible and wherein theaperture is unable to receive a second projection of a secondanalyte-testing instrument with which the cartridge is incompatible. 17.An analyte-testing system for determining an amount of an analyte in afluid test sample, the analyte-testing system comprising: a test-sensorcartridge including a plurality of test sensors, a plurality of wallsforming a cavity therein, the cavity being adapted to include theplurality of test sensors, at least one of the walls forming at leastone aperture, a lid adapted to enclose the cavity, and a locking featureadapted to lock the lid to one or more of the walls, the locking featureincluding a side portion extending from the lid and a tab portionpositioned within the at least one aperture, at least a portion of thelocking feature being positioned within the at least one aperture; andan analyte-testing instrument including a body portion, at least oneopening formed in the body portion, the at least one opening beingconfigured to receive one of the plurality of test sensors, and at leastone projection extending from the body portion, the locking featurebeing adapted to be disengaged by the at least one aperture receivingthe at least one projection of the analyte-testing instrument.
 18. Theanalyte-testing system of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of thelocking feature is detachable.
 19. The analyte-testing system of claim17, the test-sensor cartridge further including a coding featurepositioned on at least one of the walls or the lid, the coding featurebeing adapted to be read by a reading device positioned on theanalyte-testing instrument.
 20. The analyte-testing system of claim 17,wherein the aperture is unable to receive a second projection of asecond analyte-testing instrument with which the cartridge isincompatible.